Bloodlines.

Chapter eleven: Daryls Cell.

As Glenn and Abraham's bodies were carefully loaded into the truck, Sasha stepped forward to help Maggie climb in. But before Maggie could leave, Alyssa ran over, her steps hurried and uneven, and pulled Maggie into a firm embrace.

Maggie broke down in her arms, her sobs loud and heart-wrenching, her pain so raw it made everyone else's grief feel even heavier. Alyssa held her tightly, her own tears falling freely as she tried to steady both herself and Maggie.

"I promise you," Alyssa said, her voice cracking but full of conviction. She held Maggie's face between her hands, forcing her to meet her eyes. "I promise you, Glenn didn't die in vain. Abraham didn't die in vain. I'm coming for that prick, Maggie. Whatever it takes. I promise you."

The words hung in the air like a vow etched in stone. The group watched silently, some still crying, others too stunned to react. But they all knew Alyssa meant every word.

Rick stood back, his body trembling, tears streaming down his face as he watched the scene unfold. He looked broken—more than broken, like a man who had lost everything and didn't know how to carry on.

Alyssa gently took hold of Maggie's chin, her hands shaking as she steadied her voice. "Let Dr. Carson care for you. Make sure the baby's okay. You've got part of Glenn with you. And I promise you, I'll do everything I can to keep you both safe."

Maggie nodded weakly, her tears still flowing as Sasha helped her into the truck. Alyssa stepped back, her fists clenched at her sides as she watched the truck drive off, carrying Maggie, Sasha, and the remains of two men who had been family to her.

Alyssa stood there for a long moment, her chest heaving with emotion, before turning back to the rest of the group. The fire in her eyes was unmistakable, and they all knew that whatever happened next, Alyssa wasn't backing down.

Alyssa turned sharply, her tears drying as her focus shifted into sharp determination. She pointed to Aaron, Carl, Rosita, and Eugene, her voice cold and commanding.

"Get in the RV."

None of them hesitated. Without a word, they piled into the RV, the weight of Alyssa's presence forcing them into action.

Alyssa's gaze then shifted to Rick. She stepped forward, standing toe to toe with her father, her eyes blazing with anger and disappointment as he trembled before her.

"Pull yourself together," she spat, her voice low and biting. "And get in the fucking RV."

Rick stumbled backward at her words, his legs unsteady. He looked at her, searching for something—anything—but found only the hardened steel in her glare. He nodded weakly and shuffled into the RV without another word.

Alyssa watched him go, her fists clenched tightly at her sides before she followed suit, climbing into the driver's seat and slamming the door behind her.

Aaron, seated near the front, noticed the blood seeping through her shirt near her shoulder. His brows furrowed in concern.

"Alyssa," he said softly, nodding toward her shoulder. "You're hurt."

She shook her head, gripping the steering wheel tightly. "I'm fine."

Aaron didn't press further, but his worry was evident as he glanced back at the others. No one said a word as Alyssa started the engine, her jaw set, her focus unyielding.

The RV rumbled to life, and they began their slow, heavy journey back to Alexandria, leaving the nightmare of Negan's reckoning behind—but carrying the weight of it with them.

Alyssa's hands gripped the steering wheel so tightly her knuckles turned white, her jaw clenched as her eyes remained fixed on the road. The RV rattled softly as it rolled forward, carrying its heavy silence along with it.